This Apple-Walnut Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread is a fun and tasty treat! It features soft cinnamon rolls mixed with sweet apples and crunchy walnuts, all slathered in gooey caramel sauce.
You’ll love pulling apart each piece! It’s perfect for breakfast or dessert. I like to enjoy it warm with a cup of coffee, because why not? ☕🍏🥨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cinnamon Rolls: Grab refrigerated cinnamon rolls for convenience! They’re soft and sweet, perfect for this recipe. If you’re looking for a homemade option, you can use your favorite homemade cinnamon roll dough instead.
Apples: Granny Smith apples offer a nice tartness, while Fuji adds sweetness. If unavailable, other apples like Honeycrisp can work too. Just make sure they’re firm to hold up during baking!
Walnuts: Chopped walnuts add crunch and depth. If you’re allergic or prefer a different nut, pecans or almonds are great substitutes. For a nut-free version, simply leave them out!
Butter: Unsalted butter gives a nice richness. If you’re dairy-free, you can use margarine or a plant-based butter alternative.
How Can I Ensure My Monkey Bread is Perfectly Cooked?
Getting the baking right is crucial for delicious monkey bread. Be sure to preheat your oven thoroughly before placing the pan inside. This helps the dough bake evenly and rise properly.
- Cover the pan with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
- Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean, without dough sticking.
- Let it cool a bit in the pan before flipping to avoid tearing when inverting.
Following these tips will lead you to a delightful and well-cooked apple-walnut cinnamon roll monkey bread that everyone will enjoy!
How to Make Apple-Walnut Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Monkey Bread:
- 2 tubes (8 oz each) refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
- 1 medium apple (such as Granny Smith or Fuji), peeled, cored, and finely chopped
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Optional: Additional icing from cinnamon roll tubes or prepared cream cheese glaze for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful treat will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 30-35 minutes to bake. Plus, let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. So, you can expect your sweet masterpiece ready in just under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, take a bundt pan and grease it well with butter or nonstick spray. This ensures your monkey bread comes out effortlessly once it’s baked.
2. Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls:
Open the tubes of cinnamon rolls and pull apart each roll. Using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors, cut each roll into quarters to make those perfect bite-sized pieces.
3. Make the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:
In a large bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This blend will add a delicious sweetness and a lovely aromatic flavor to the monkey bread.
4. Coat the Dough:
Add the chopped cinnamon roll pieces to the sugar mixture. Gently toss them using your hands or a spatula to make sure every cinnamon roll piece is evenly coated in the cinnamon sugar.
5. Add Apples and Walnuts:
Now it’s time for the fun part! Toss in the finely chopped apples and chopped walnuts into the bowl and give it a light toss again. You want those fruity and nutty flavors to blend evenly throughout!
6. Drizzle with Butter:
Drizzle the melted butter over the mixture. Toss it all together one last time, ensuring each piece gets a lovely coating of that rich butter.
7. Chill in the Bundt Pan:
Carefully spoon the entire mixture into your greased bundt pan. Pack it in lightly and spread it out so that it’s evenly distributed.
8. Bake to Perfection:
Place the bundt pan on a rimmed baking sheet—this helps catch any drips. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and fluffy.
9. Cool and Invert:
Once baked, take the pan out of the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. After it’s slightly cooled, carefully flip it onto a large serving plate, so the yummy goodness is on display!
10. Drizzle and Serve:
Finally, drizzle it with the icing that comes with the cinnamon roll tubes or your favorite cream cheese glaze. Cut into pieces and enjoy pulling apart the gooey, delicious monkey bread while it’s still warm!
This recipe for Apple-Walnut Cinnamon Roll Monkey Bread combines tender cinnamon roll dough with sweet apples and crunchy walnuts, all drizzled in glaze. It’s an irresistible treat that is perfect for any occasion!
Can I Use Frozen Cinnamon Rolls Instead?
Yes, you can use frozen cinnamon rolls! Just make sure to thaw them completely first. Leave them in the fridge overnight, or let them sit at room temperature for about 2 hours until they are soft enough to cut.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you live in a warmer climate, consider refrigerating them to keep them fresh longer. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to enjoy warm!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prep the cinnamon roll mixture up to a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge in the bundt pan overnight. When you’re ready to bake, bring it to room temperature while the oven preheats, then bake as directed.
What Can I Use Instead of Walnuts?
If you prefer not to use walnuts, you can substitute them with pecans or almonds for a similar crunch. For a nut-free option, simply omit the nuts altogether and add more apples or even raisins for extra sweetness!